The Boston Celtics have done it again. While the NBA world fixates on draft picks and blockbuster trades, Brad Stevens has quietly unearthed another diamond in the rough: Josh Minott, a 6’8 wing who’s already turning heads and poised to become the Eastern Conference’s next breakout star. In a recent episode of the Zach Lowe Show, John Hollinger couldn’t contain his excitement about Minott’s potential, and after his electrifying preseason debut, it’s easy to see why. The Celtics have a new weapon, and he’s ready to wreak havoc.
Minott’s first outing in green was nothing short of a revelation. In just 26 minutes during the preseason opener, the 23-year-old showcased his relentless energy, tallying eight points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a block. He was everywhere—crashing corners, snagging offensive rebounds, cutting off-ball with precision, and poking away steals with his quick hands. Celtics reporter Jack Simone captured it perfectly on X:
This wasn’t just a fluke. Minott’s performance screamed versatility, hustle, and an instinctive feel for the game that could make him indispensable to Boston’s rotation.
Minott’s defensive prowess is undeniable. At 6’8, his length, agility, and relentless motor make him a nightmare for opponents. With the Celtics losing key defensive pieces like Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet this offseason, Minott’s ability to guard multiple positions fills a critical void. But the question looms: can he deliver enough offensively to cement a consistent role?
Embed X: https://twitter.com/JackSimoneNBA/status/1976099585450967057
The answer lies in his 3-point shooting. Minott has attempted 59 threes in his young career, connecting on 20—a respectable but not elite 33.9%. In the preseason opener, he confidently hoisted five long-range shots, a sign that Joe Mazzulla and the Celtics’ coaching staff are encouraging him to let it fly. Boston has a proven track record of turning players into reliable shooters—think Derrick White, Sam Hauser, and Payton Pritchard, all of whom elevated their games under Mazzulla’s system. If Minott’s jumper comes around, the East better brace itself for a true 3-and-D force.
Stevens, the architect of Boston’s recent success, has an uncanny knack for spotting undervalued talent that perfectly fits the Celtics’ high-octane, versatile style. Over the past four seasons, players like White, Pritchard, Hauser, and Kornet have transformed from role players into key cogs in a championship machine. Minott, who logged just 463 minutes over three seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, appears to be next in line.
Minnesota, focused on contending, let Minott walk in free agency, unable to carve out a role for the young wing. Stevens pounced, signing him to a budget-friendly two-year deal. It’s a classic Celtics move: identify a player with untapped potential, plug them into a system that maximizes their strengths, and watch them flourish. Minott’s relentless energy and defensive versatility align perfectly with Mazzulla’s vision of a chaotic, disruptive defense paired with fluid, opportunistic offense.
Don’t call this a rebuilding season for the Celtics. Despite Jayson Tatum’s injury and the departure of key veterans, Mazzulla has no intention of slowing down. The goal remains the same: win every game. Minott’s emergence is a massive boost to that mission. His ability to create chaos on both ends of the floor could make him a fan favorite and a player opposing coaches dread facing.
Every contender covets a 6’8 wing who can defend, hustle, and knock down open shots. The Celtics didn’t need to trade assets or spend big to find one—they simply trusted Stevens’ eye for talent and signed Minott to a minimum contract. As his 3-point shot develops and his role expands, expect the buzz around him to grow louder. This isn’t just another depth piece; it’s a potential game-changer.
Josh Minott is no longer a secret. With his magnetic presence on the court and Boston’s elite development system behind him, he’s on the verge of a breakout that could reshape the Eastern Conference landscape. The Celtics aren’t just building for the future—they’re ready to surprise the league now. And Minott, the 6’8 wing who slipped through the cracks in Minnesota, is about to become the talk of the NBA. Brad Stevens has done it again, and the East is in for a shock.